Kseniia Petrova, a Russian-born Harvard researcher, has been detained for 68 days by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Louisiana after failing to declare frog embryo samples at Boston's Logan Airport. The Department of Homeland Security accuses her of lying to federal officers, while her supporters argue that the infraction should have resulted only in a fine. Petrova fears persecution if deported to Russia, as she opposes the Russian government's actions. Her detention impacts significant research at Harvard, particularly involving a novel microscope for cancer detection. A Louisiana judge has ruled the government's case insufficient, granting ICE a week to provide more evidence.

Kseniia Petrova, a Harvard researcher, was detained at Boston's Logan Airport for failing to declare frog embryo samples she obtained in France, which were intended for research purposes. Homeland Security claims she planned to smuggle the materials, but her mentor argues they were neither dangerous nor biohazardous, suggesting a simple fine was warranted rather than detention.

Petrova's detention in Louisiana has disrupted critical scientific research at Harvard, where she is considered indispensable due to her unique expertise in cell division studies using frog embryos. Her work involves using a specialized microscope with potential applications in cancer detection, and her absence poses significant setbacks for ongoing projects.

Conditions at the Monroe ICE detention center are challenging, with Petrova describing inadequate food, lack of privacy, extreme temperatures, and constant noise. She shares the facility with many other women, primarily from Latin America, some of whom have been detained for minor infractions or administrative oversights.

Petrova fled Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, fearing political persecution due to her opposition to the conflict. Her case highlights broader concerns within the scientific community about the treatment of foreign researchers in the US and potential impacts on their recruitment and retention.

A Louisiana immigration judge has found the government's evidence against Petrova insufficient, giving ICE a week to strengthen their case. The outcome of her case is closely monitored by academics, as it may influence the perception and treatment of foreign scientists in the United States.